Dog day-care centres and dog sitters

The holidays are approaching and although the priority would always be to share them with our life companions as another member of the family that they are, sometimes, due to circumstances or for their well-being, this is not possible.

We have an increasing variety of day-care centres and dog-sitting services. In the case of dogs, home carers are not usually the best option, as they need to go out at least three times a day and someone to spend quality time with them, as they need company, games and socialising.

What should we expect from a kennel or boarding kennel?

-A safe space where accidents are avoided.

-Environmental enrichment, such as a play area, walks and various activities such as socialising if the dog is sociable.

-Rest areas with privacy, air-conditioning and comfort.

-Trained and qualified staff to treat, care for and medicate if necessary.

-We should be offered the option of feeding the most appropriate food and in the way we choose, the less they change the routines of our companions the better.

What is the difference between dog day care and kennelling?

In principle, day care is a day stay and residential care is a day and night stay or an extended period of time, but there are places that do both under one of the two names.

What is the job of a dog handler?

Carers offer a more personalised service. They generally take care of our companions in their own home as an additional member of the family or come to our home to carry out the care tasks required.

A dog sitter will suit more introverted dogs who find it difficult to adapt to other environments or who are better off in their own home.

Carers can offer everything from walks, feeding or medication, playtime or companionship, depending on the needs of the individual dog.

If they are going to look after the dog for a period of time, they can do so at the dog's usual address or in their own home.

Important aspects to take into account when choosing where to leave our dog when we go on holiday or on a short break.

We have to bear in mind that in the case of residences and nurseries we will require a zoological nucleus, an opening licence, access to see opinions from other clients, etc. But in the case of carers, we will not always have all this information and ideally we should make sure that if they are not professionals with permits, they are at least experienced and trustworthy people with good references to ensure that we leave our companion in the best hands. We also recommend that you sign a contract specifying the responsibilities of both parties, and the details related to the care of the dog (food rations, medication, schedules, etc.).

Before hiring a service or leaving the animal in the care of a third party, we should always know the place, its way of working, and I would even recommend that you go with the dog to see how it reacts, it cannot be that our holidays are its nightmare. Any symptom of stress or discomfort of our companion may be telling us that this place is not the right one, sometimes a period of adaptation is required in which the animal gets to know the environment and those who are going to look after it, in the same way that those who are going to take care of it know its character, needs and preferences.

Will it cost me a lot of money?

It doesn't have to be, but leaving the life of a family member in the care of others has a cost, and it is important to first assess what is best for the individual in question, choose the place and the staff according to the needs and assess our budget in terms of their welfare, as we know that often the cheapest thing ends up being expensive.

This does not mean that the most expensive place is the most suitable for us or our companion, and of course, we recommend you to look at several places and several options and decide, but always taking into account the safety and welfare of the dog, as an accident or poor care can mean that the return and collection of your companion is the beginning of a lot of problems to solve health or behavioural or emotional level.

In short, leaving your companion in the care of a daycare centre, kennel or caregiver may be a good option, but you should assess in your specific case whether it is really the most appropriate, carefully choose the place that best suits your needs and during the time you are separated ask for photos or videos so that you can see if there are any symptoms of physical or emotional discomfort.

Finally, many dogs enjoy their ‘holidays’ in safe and fun places, meeting other dogs to play with and humans who know how to treat them and give them everything they need.